Alfred stromberg



PATENTED FEB. 23, 1904.

' 'A. STROMBERG.

SWITGHBOARD.

APPLICATION FILED MKYIELIQOZ. y no MODEL. 3 sums-sum 1.

' lnvenfun Alfred Efrumharg.

No. 752,722. PATENTED FEB. 23, 1904. A. STROMBERG. S WITGHBOARD.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 13, 1902 NO ODE. 3SHEETS-S 2.

00600 24 GOO OGO Witnesses: lnventtm No. 752,722. PATENTED FEB. 23, 1904.. A. STROMBERG. SWITCHBOARD.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 13 1902. N0 MODEL. 3 SHEETS-SHBET 3 Witnesss: Inventor:

. IE5 M tturnegsf w UNITED STATES Patented February 23, 1904.

PATENT OFFICE.

ALFRED STROMBERG, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO STROMBERG- CARLSON TELEPHONE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

SWITCH BOARD.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 7 52,722, dated February 23,1904.

Application filed May 13, 1902. Serial No. 107,058, (No model.)

To all whom it may concern: I

Be it known that I, ALFRED STROMBERG, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook andState of Illi- 5 nois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Switchboards, of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this I specification.

My invention relates to switchboards, and has for its. object the provision of improved structural characteristics of the board whereby economy in the manufacture may be ef- I fected, while at the sametime securing great economy in space, the product of my invention enabling the close location of the jack-openings where the plugs are inserted.

In accordance with my invention I assemble the jacks in groups, each group constituting a unit, such a unit preferably containing for convenience one hundred jacks divided among five rows. There is provided for the jacks thus assembled a frame, the front vertical 5 panel of the frame containing the plug-open ings and in the case of multiple switchboards being provided with the usual test-thimbles. 1

The rear vertical panel constitutes the mounting for the spring-jacks and serves to register 3 the same properly to the rear of the plug openings, This rear vertical panel is preferably formed in strips suitably slotted, so thatthe line-springs of the spring-jacks may be put in position and held securely in place. The rear panel is preferably united with the front panel by means of side plates or webs that serve not only as distance-pieces, but

the lugs upon one web 'so registering with the lugs uponthe web immediately adjacent as to provlde openings through which retaining-bolts may be passed into vertical ribs in h the switchboard-frame, which vertical ribs are preferably studded with the retaining- ,bolts, so that the units may be readily slipped into place, the only work then having to be done to complete the location of the jacks being the addition of clamping-nuts, which by engaging the free ends of the retaining-bolts may thoroughly clamp the various groups or units of jacks in position.

Where the device of my invention is employed in the manufacture of multiple switchboards, the test-thimbles are preferably connected with the line-springs by means of riv ets, such connection being effected between the vertical panels of each unit. In this way the construction of the rearpanel may be greatly simplified, as the test connection and one of the line connections for each jack may in accordance with systems now in use he made common, the structure being simplified by means of my invention, as these test-conductors do not have to pass throughthe rear panel.

As is well known, the test-thimbles have hitherto been secured in position in the front face of the switchboard by means of pins passed through the front strip containing the thimbles into engagement with such thimbles. On this account it has hitherto been the general practice to employ a single strip containing but a single horizontal row of test-thimbles, as these fastening-pins had'to be passed through each strip into engagement with the test-thimbles. I have provided an improved construction in this respect, in that the thimbles are caused to carrylugs or featherswhich engage corresponding recesses, which are preferably provided in the rear face of the front thimble containing the panel of the bank of jacks. There are preferably provided for each thimble two such lugs or feathers, the more effectivelyto distribute the strain to which the thimblesmay be subject in the tendency to eifect their rotation. I ,do not wish to be limited, however, to H the number of lugs or feathers that may be carried by the thimbles nor to their precise location.

I will explain my invention more fully by reference to the accompanying drawings, in

which Figure 1 is a front view of a bank of jacks constructed in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 is a top view thereof. Fig. 3 is an end View of the structure shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4, a rear view, the springs being removed; Fig. 5, a front View of the structure illustrated in Fig. 4; Fig. 6, a plan View of the structure illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5; Fig. 7 an end view of the frames of several banks or units of jacks vertically arranged. Fig. 8 is a sectional view on line 8 8 of Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is a rear View of the front vertical support, some of the test-thimbles being indicated in position, while the other plug-openings are shown as being free of test-thimbles. Fig. 10 is a view on line 10 10 of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a view on line 11 11 of Fig. 8. Fig. 12 is a detailed perspective view illustrating the construction of the test-thimble. tional view on line 13 13 of Fig. 12.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the different figures.

There are shown in the embodiment of the invention illustrated a test-thimble-supporting member 1 in the form of a front vertical support, in combination with a rear vertical support carrying the linesprings and springjacks, these members of a bank or unit of jacks being united by means of webs or end plates 3 3, these elements constitutinga rigid frame for carrying the spring-jacks and keeping the same in proper alinement with the plug-openings in the front vertical support. The front vertical support is preferably formed in one integral piece, so that the plugopenings44 may be placed very close together vertically as well as horizontally. The rear vertical support is preferably made up of a plurality of strips 5, that may suitably be held together by means of cap-plates 6, that may be fastenedtogether, as illustrated most clearly in Figs. 5 and 8, by means of screws 7. The strips 5 5 are provided with slots 8 8 for receiving the springs of the spring-jacks, containing the springs '99 in the manner most clearly illustrated in Figs. '10 and 11, longitudinal movement of the springs 9 9 being in the main prevented by means of a groove formation of the springs in which grooves the springs project. Where the construction is adapted for multiple switchboards, especially in systems that are now in use, a line-spring of each jack may be mechanically connected with the corresponding test-thimble by means of a conductor 11, which is preferably separately formed, but riveted to such line-spring between the front and rear supports of the bank of jacks for the purpose that has been specified. For this purpose each test-conductor 11 is preferably enlarged at its rear end 12, there being shown two retaining-pins 13 for securing the desired mechanical and electrical connection. Each thimble carriesa lug 15, preferably integrally formed therewith, there being preferably two such lugs or feathers to Fig. 13 is a crossseceach thimble. The rear of the front vertical support of the bank of jacks is provided with recesses 14, corresponding to the lugs 15, which recesses 14 communicate with the plugopenings and which are so disposed as to engage the thimbles when the said thimbles are inserted. In assembling the jacks the lugs 15 15 are initially extended longitudinally of the thimble supporting the same, so that the thimble may be readily inserted from the front toward the rear. This is so that the front edge of each thimble may be beaded or turned over to constitute a rim to engage the front face of the bank of jacks. After the thimbles have been inserted the lugs 15 are thrown at right angles to the thimble, as indicated clearly in Figs. 9, 12, and 13. The'side webs or plates 3 3 are secured to the front support by means of screws 20, Fig. 5, and to the rear vertical support by screws 21, Fig. 6. There are provided lugs upon the webs or plates 3 3, which enable the provision of grooves 22, there being preferably provided for each web an upper pair of grooves and a lower pair of grooves, the members of each pair being in alinement and adapted to receive screws or bolts 23, which may have threaded engagement with the Vertical ribs 24 in the main switchboard-frame.

In assembling the component parts of the switchboard the studs or screws 23 are first placed in position, whereafter the units or banks of jacks may readily be slipped in position, the grooves or studs 23 being disposed at the meeting edges of the adjacent lugs upon the end plates, so that they need not be duplicated for each of said grooves. After the banks of jacks have been placed upon the supporting-screws the nuts 25 are placed upon the screws to bind the banks of jacks firmly in position. It will be observedthat the end plates are interposed between the clamping means 23 and 25 and the vertical ribs 24 to secure a very rigid clamping 'engagement.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1; In a multiple switchboard, the combinationwith a front support, of a plurality of test-thimbles in the support, the test-thimbles being provided with a plurality of lugs-carried thereby while the support is provided with an equal number of recesses adapted to engage the lugs, thereby preventing rotation of the thimbles, substantially as described. 2. In a multiple switchboard, the-combination with a front vertical support formed in one integral piece provided with a plurality of horizontal rows of plug-openings, of test- -thimbles within the said plug-openings, the

said test-thimbles carrying a plurality of lugs while the said support is provided. with an equal number of corresponding recesses within which the lugs may be received to prevent rotation of the test-thimbles, substantially as described.

3. In a multiple switchboard, the combination with a front vertical support formed in one integral piece provided with a plurality -of horizontal rows ofplug-openings, of testresponding recesses in its rear vertical surface within which recesses the lugs may be received to prevent rotation of the test-thimbles, substantially as described.

4. In a multiple switchboard,the combination with afront vertical support formed in one integral piece provided with a plurality of horizontal rows of plug-openings, of testthimbles within the said plug-openings, the said test-thimbles carrying a plurality of lugs at the rear ends thereof, while the said support is provided with an equal number of corresponding recesses in its rear vertical surface within which recesses the lugs may be received to prevent rotation of the test-thimbles, the said lugs being flexible, whereby they may be bent in order to permit the passage of the thimbles through the plug-openings, the said thimbles being provided with projecting rims at their front ends, the said lugs being turned at right angles or transversely to the thimbles when the thimbles are inserted to engage the said recesses, substantially as described.

5. In a multiple switchboard, the combination with the front vertical support containing a plurality of plug-openings, of test-thimbles within the said plug-openings, the said test-thimbles carrying lugs while the said support is provided with an equal number of corresponding recesses within which the lugs may be received to prevent rotation of the testthimbles, substantially as described.

6. In a multiple switchboard, the combination with the front vertical support containing a plurality of plug-openings, of test-thimbles within the said' plug-openings, the said test-thimbles carrying lugs at the rear end thereof, while the said support is provided with an equal number of corresponding recesses in its rear vertical surface, within which ing a plurality of plug-openings, of test-thimbles within the said plug-openings, the said test-thimbles carrying lugs at the rear ends thereof While'the said support is provided with an equal number of corresponding recesses in its rear vertical surface within which recesses the lugs may be received to prevent rotation of the test-thimbles, the said lugs being flexible, whereby they may be bent in order to permit the passage of the thimbles through the plug-openings, the said thimbles being provided with projecting rims at their front ends, the said lugs being turned at right angles or transversely to the thimbles when the thimbles are inserted to engage the said recesses, substantially as described.

8. In a switchboard, the combination with vertical ribs, of a plurality of banks of jacks horizontally alined between said vertical ribs, a front and a rear vertical support for each of said banks, an end plate at each end of said banks interposed between the front and rear supports thereof and secured thereto, and clamping means interposed between said ribs and said rear supports whereby said banks are secured to said ribs and whereby adjacent banks are secured in horizontal alinement, substantially as described.

9. In a switchboard, the-combination with vertical ribs, of a plurality of banks of jacks horizontally alined between said vertical ribs, a front and rear vertical support for each of said banks, an end plate at each end of said banks interposed between the front and rear supports thereof and secured thereto, screws extending rearwardly from said ribs and be tween the end plates of horizontally adjacent banks, and nuts for engaging the free ends of said screws whereby said adjacent banks are held together in horizontal alinement and are secured to said ribs, substantially as described.

10. In a switchboard, the combination with vertical ribs, of a plurality of banks of jacks horizontally alined between said vertical ribs, a front and rear vertical support for each of said banks, the front support being provided with plug-openings while the rear support carries line-springs and holds the same in suit.

able alinement with respect to the plug-openings, an end plate at each end of said banks interposed between the front and rear supports thereof and secured thereto, screws extending rearwardly from said ribs and between the end platesof horizontally adjacent banks, and nuts for engaging the free ends of said screws whereby the adjacent banks are held together in horizontal alinement and are secured to said ribs, substantially as described. In witness whereof I hereunto subscribe my name this 1st day of May, A. D. 1902.

ALFRED STROMBERG.

Witnesses:

HARVEY L. HANSON, JOHN STAHR. 

